Aulacothorax
Boheman, 1858
Species Guides
3- Aulacothorax copalina(Copal Flea Beetle)
- Aulacothorax melina(poison ivy leaf beetle)
- Aulacothorax recticollis
Aulacothorax is a of leaf beetles comprising 51 described distributed worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Indomalayan realm. The genus was historically misclassified among flea beetles (Alticini) due to superficially similar enlarged hind , but lacks the metafemoral spring that enables jumping. A 2023 phylogenetic study established its placement in the distinct tribe Serraticollini. The genus name dates to 1858, though the original type species was later reassigned, resulting in the synonymy of Orthaltica with Aulacothorax in 2017.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aulacothorax: //ˌɔː.lə.koʊˈθɔː.ræks//
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Identification
Distinguished from true flea beetles (Alticini) by the absence of the metafemoral spring in the hind legs; members cannot jump despite having enlarged hind . The can be separated from other Galerucinae by its placement in tribe Serraticollini, though specific diagnostic morphological features for field identification are not detailed in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Worldwide distribution with 40 of 51 described occurring in the Indomalayan realm. Records include North America (Vermont, USA).
Behavior
Members are incapable of jumping, unlike true flea beetles, due to the absence of the metafemoral spring structure in the hind legs.
Similar Taxa
- Alticini (flea beetles)Historically confused with Aulacothorax due to convergent enlargement of hind ; distinguished by presence of metafemoral spring and jumping ability in Alticini, versus absence of both in Aulacothorax.
- OrthalticaFormerly recognized as a separate ; formally synonymized with Aulacothorax in 2017 based on rediscovery and re-examination of the original .
Misconceptions
Long misclassified as a member of Alticini (flea beetles) based solely on the presence of enlarged hind , without recognition that this trait evolved convergently and lacks the functional spring mechanism characteristic of true flea beetles.